Inside Vancouver Opera

Vancouver Opera
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Inside Vancouver Opera is a unique backstage glimpse into the world of Vancouver Opera. Join us as we chat with opera experts, artists, Vancouver Opera staff and others to explore the world of opera on and off the stage. This podcast offers an insider’s glimpse into the artistry, experiences, and perspectives of the talent involved in taking breathtaking opera productions from the page to the stage. Find out more at VancouverOpera.ca

  1. Surviving Misogyny: Despina and the Women of Cosi fan tutte

    5 DAYS AGO

    Surviving Misogyny: Despina and the Women of Cosi fan tutte

    In this special episode we delve into the intricate dynamics of Così fan tutte and its portrayal of women. We explore the role of Despina as a voice of realism amidst the comedic facade and how the opera reflects societal attitudes towards women and relationships during the Enlightenment era. Full Article Episode Credits: Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator Mack McGillivray - Audio Editor Ashley Daniel Foot - Producer Barry Ekko - Cover Illustration

    8 min
  2. Behind the Costumes of Così fan tutte: A Conversation with Designer Donnie Tejani

    1 FEB

    Behind the Costumes of Così fan tutte: A Conversation with Designer Donnie Tejani

    A behind-the-scenes conversation with costume designer Donnie Tejani, who brings the world of Così fan tutte to life for Vancouver Opera. We explore how costumes shape character, how disguise functions in Mozart’s comedy, what happens inside a modern costume shop, and how designers balance artistry, budgets, and practicality in today’s opera landscape.

    11 min
  3. Tracy Dahl on How to Sing Mozart

    28 JAN

    Tracy Dahl on How to Sing Mozart

    Tracy Dahl discusses her illustrious career as coloratura soprano, her role as Despina in Così fan tutte, and evolution of vocal techniques. Full Article Episode Credits: Tracy Dahl - Guest Ashley Daniel Foot - Host, Inside Vancouver Opera Mack McGillivray - Producer, Inside Vancouver Opera

    26 min
  4. 'Così' in the Age of Consent: A Deep Dive

    19 JAN

    'Così' in the Age of Consent: A Deep Dive

    In this episode we're joined by music journalist Kevin Ng and Vancouver Opera's Jane Potter to explore the complexities of Mozart's most dangerous comedy, Così fan tutte. Full Article Episode Credits: Kevin Ng - Guest Jane Potter - Guest Barry Ekko - Artwork Ashley Daniel Foot - Host, Inside Vancouver Opera Mack McGillivray - Producer, Inside Vancouver Opera

    20 min
  5. People Are Like That: Inside Così fan tutte with Rob Herriot and Les Dala — laughter, honesty, and a Canadian reimagining

    8 JAN

    People Are Like That: Inside Così fan tutte with Rob Herriot and Les Dala — laughter, honesty, and a Canadian reimagining

    Mozart’s Così fan tutte is often described as light, mischievous, even trivial. But sit with it — really sit with it — and it reveals itself as one of opera’s most psychologically perceptive works. In this episode of Inside Vancouver Opera, host Ashley Daniel Foot is joined by stage director Rob Herriot and Vancouver Opera’s Associate Music Director and conductor Les Dala to explore a distinctly Canadian production of Così fan tutte, originally created at Manitoba Opera and now remounted in Vancouver. Set in the early 1930s at an elegant hotel on the edge of the Canadian wilderness, this staging features Mounties, waltzing log drivers, and a visual world inspired by Canadian film and National Film Board imagery. But beneath the wit and theatrical charm lies something deeper: Mozart’s refusal to lie. Even when his characters disguise themselves, role-play, or betray one another, the music tells the truth. Rob and Les reflect on trusting the score, the humanity of the characters, the generosity — and ambiguity — of the opera’s ending, and why Così fan tutte remains one of the most honest works Mozart ever wrote. It’s an episode about laughter, contradiction, and what it means to recognize ourselves in the mess. Why Così fan tutte may be Mozart’s most human opera How this Canadian production originated at Manitoba Opera Trusting the music as psychological truth Reframing Così beyond its controversial title Why the ending sounds forgiving — even when nothing is fully resolved How humour becomes a gateway for new audiences Host: Ashley Daniel Foot Guests: Rob Herriot, Les Dala Podcast: Inside Vancouver Opera Produced by: Vancouver Opera Music excerpts courtesy of Vancouver Opera Audio editing by Mack McGillivray Vancouver Opera presents Così fan tutte 📅 February 7, 12 & 15 📍 Queen Elizabeth Theatre 🎟 Tickets & info: Vancouver Opera What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeProduction & CreditsTickets & More

    14 min
  6. A Life in the Light: Bruce Munro Wright and the Philosophy of the Custodian

    20/12/2025

    A Life in the Light: Bruce Munro Wright and the Philosophy of the Custodian

    Some people shape culture from center stage, others shape it by showing up early, staying late, and standing just out of the light. Our guest today has built a life inside that second kind of work. Bruce Munro Wright is a former chair of Vancouver Opera, the Vancouver Opera Foundation, and the Vancouver Art Gallery. He is a nationally important collector of Canadian art and a recipient of the Order of British Columbia. Learn More Episode Credits: Ashley Daniel Foot - Host, Inside Vancouver Opera Mack McGillivray - Producer, Inside Vancouver Opera

    18 min
  7. What We Build When We Listen: Art & Advocacy in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

    25/11/2025

    What We Build When We Listen: Art & Advocacy in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

    In this conversation, Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United and new Board Member of Vancouver Opera, discusses her journey through the arts and social justice. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of art and advocacy, the importance of community involvement, and the resilience of the Downtown Eastside. Learn More Episode Credits: Ashley Daniel Foot - Host, Inside Vancouver Opera Mack McGillivray - Producer, Inside Vancouver Opera

    21 min
  8. Verdi: Freedom, Sacrifice, and the Price of Art

    16/10/2025

    Verdi: Freedom, Sacrifice, and the Price of Art

    In this special episode, Jane Potter brings Verdi’s world to life through the story of Rigoletto, a work born out of controversy, courage, and the fight for artistic freedom. Learn More Episode Credits: Jane Potter - Writer and Narrator Ashley Daniel Foot - Host, Inside Vancouver Opera Mack McGillivray - Producer, Inside Vancouver Opera Lyndon Ladeur - Voice of Giachino Rossini Mihnea Nitu - Voice of Guiseppe Verdi Richard Wolfe - Voice of Victor Hugo

    14 min
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About

Inside Vancouver Opera is a unique backstage glimpse into the world of Vancouver Opera. Join us as we chat with opera experts, artists, Vancouver Opera staff and others to explore the world of opera on and off the stage. This podcast offers an insider’s glimpse into the artistry, experiences, and perspectives of the talent involved in taking breathtaking opera productions from the page to the stage. Find out more at VancouverOpera.ca

Information

  • Creator
    Vancouver Opera
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vancouver Opera
  • Show Website
    Inside Vancouver Opera